Frequently Asked Questions

Do you use antibiotics, hormones or vaccines?

We do not use growth hormones or antibiotics in our farming practices.

Our approach is focused on prevention through healthy soils, diverse pastures, rotational grazing and allowing paddocks time to rest. By moving animals regularly onto fresh pasture, we help interrupt parasite life cycles while providing access to a diverse and nutritious diet.

We believe good nutrition, mineral supplementation and low-stress animal management are essential for maintaining the health and wellbeing of our animals.

We run a predominantly closed herd, only introducing new bulls or cows periodically to maintain genetic diversity and herd health. This approach allows us to avoid routine vaccinations for animals born on our farm. We do not use, and would not use, mRNA vaccines in our cattle.

If an animal ever requires veterinary care, we believe in doing what is right for the animal and will always prioritise their welfare.

Do you use methane-suppressing feed additives such as Bovaer?

Absolutely not.

We do not use methane-suppressing feed additives such as Bovaer or any similar synthetic feed additives.

These products are primarily designed for grain-fed cattle in intensive feeding systems. Our cattle are raised very differently. They spend their lives grazing diverse pastures and are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished.

We believe grain and synthetic feed additives are unnecessary for cattle and don't align with our regenerative farming philosophy. Instead, we focus on building healthy animals through healthy soils, diverse pastures and low-stress management.

During periods when pasture growth slows, such as drought, we may supplement with hay or silage. We also provide natural mineral supplementation, including salt, minerals, kelp meal and, depending on the season, biochar, apple cider vinegar and garlic.

One of the benefits of raising cattle on pasture is that they become an integral part of the ecosystem. Through rotational grazing, cattle naturally return nutrients to the soil in the form of manure, helping to feed the microbes that build healthy, living soils. After allowing paddocks to rest, the positive impact on pasture growth and soil health is something we see year after year.

What do your animals eat?

Our chickens are fed a certified organic, soy-free and corn-free feed, alongside their natural diet of grasses, seeds and insects while roaming on pasture.

Our beef cattle are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, grazing diverse pastures year-round. Throughout the year, we sow our paddocks with diverse multi-species pasture blends to provide a wider variety of forage for our cattle while improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and building resilience in the landscape.

We don't use synthetic herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilisers on our pastures. Instead, we focus on building healthy, living soils using biological amendments such as aerated compost teas, pelletised chicken manure and worm extract.

We believe healthy food begins with healthy soil. By caring for the land first, we produce healthy pastures, healthy animals and nutrient-dense food.

Is your beef 100% grass-fed and grass-finished?

Yes.

All of our cattle are raised on pasture and finished entirely on grass. They are never grain-fed or grain-finished.

Our chickens are also raised on pasture. While they spend their days foraging, chickens naturally require grain in their diet, so we provide a certified organic, soy-free and corn-free feed to support their health and wellbeing.

What do you raise on the Ethical Farmers farm?

Everything in our membership begins on our regenerative farm in Dungog, NSW.

We produce:

• 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef

• Pasture-raised chicken

The animals are raised on our farm before being processed at a licensed abattoir. The meat then returns to our on-farm butchery, where it's carefully cut, vacuum packed and prepared for our members' deliveries.

Why did you move to a membership model?

We wanted to build a farm that works with nature instead of against it.

Rather than farming around unpredictable weekly orders, our membership model allows us to plan ahead, reduce waste, and make long-term decisions that benefit the health of our soil, our animals and our community.

When you become a member, you're not just buying meat — you're supporting a regenerative farming system and sharing in the harvest throughout the year.

Can I buy individual cuts?

No.

Ethical Farmers is a membership farm rather than a traditional online butcher.

Members purchase a share of our annual production and receive regular deliveries throughout the year. This gives your family a guaranteed supply of nutrient-dense meat while allowing us to farm in harmony with the seasons, reduce waste and invest in the long-term health of the land.

Can I buy a whole or half animal?

No.

Rather than selling whole or half animals, we've designed our memberships to give each household a share of our annual production. It's a more practical way to enjoy nose-to-tail eating, with regular deliveries of a balanced selection of cuts throughout the year.

Why do you freeze your meat?

All of our meat is vacuum sealed and snap frozen shortly after processing.

Freezing locks in freshness, flavour and nutrition naturally, without the need for preservatives. It also allows us to deliver your meat at its best while reducing food waste.

Many people assume "fresh" is better, but meat slowly loses quality from the moment it is processed. Snap freezing preserves the meat at its peak, so when you thaw it at home, it tastes just as it should.

What's the best way to defrost meat?

For the best results, thaw your meat slowly in the refrigerator.

If you're short on time, place the vacuum-sealed pack in cold water until thawed. Avoid using hot water or the microwave, as both can affect the quality and texture of the meat.

How is the meat packaged?

Each cut is vacuum sealed before being packed into insulated boxes designed to keep your order frozen during transit, ensuring it arrives in excellent condition.

Is the packaging environmentally friendly?

We're continually improving our packaging to reduce waste while ensuring your food arrives safely.

Our insulated delivery boxes are recyclable, and we're committed to increasing the use of recyclable and compostable packaging wherever possible.

Do I need to be home for delivery?

No.

We'll leave your membership box in a safe place according to your delivery instructions. We recommend choosing a shaded area out of direct sunlight.

You'll receive a notification once your order has been delivered.

Is your meat gluten free?

Yes.

All of our meat products are gluten free.

I have another question.

Transparency is one of our core values.

If you'd like to know more about our farming practices, memberships or how we raise our animals, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch — we're always happy to answer your questions.

How can I change my delivery date?
Please contact us at orders@ethicalfarmers.com.au for any changes to deliveries.